Although I’m not related to Weird Al, I feel a connection with him. We’re both from the same town, San Luis Obispo, CA, and we’re the same age. And the article makes it sound like he got started in the 1980s, but that’s only when he hit the big time with his parodies. I also remember hearing him in the 1970s, when his instrument of choice was the accordion and only Dr. Demento would play his songs.
[[Dr. Demento would play his songs.]]
There’s a name i haven’t heard i n a long long time- used to listen to his show
...Dr. Demento would play his songs
Now THOSE were the days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fn36l_z3WY
They’re Coming to Take me Away
San Luis Opisbo? I didn’t know that. I’ve heard it has near-perfect climate.
The first Weird Al I heard was also on Dr Demento, “Another One Rides the Bus”. Dr D also wrote liner notes for that “The Best” LP for Leo Kottke, and wrote liner notes for the John Fahey box. Mostly though, he introduced me to “The Cockroach that Ate Cincinnati” and “Irving” etc.
He isn’t from SLO - he went to school there though as did I. He was an Architecture major. Have friends that were his roommates. One of the roommates organized a trip one of his concerts in San Jose. Got to go back stage and meet him. Lots of fun all the way around.